U.S. Stocks Rebound Amid Ongoing Middle East Conflict

U.S. stock markets experienced a modest rebound this week, with major indexes posting gains despite ongoing Middle East tensions and rising oil prices. The S&P 500 rose 0.1% to 6,582.69, and the Nasdaq gained 0.2% to 21,879.18, while the Dow Jones dipped slightly by 0.1% to 46,504.67. The Russell 2000, representing smaller companies, increased by 0.7% to 2,530.04.

These gains come amid continued uncertainty in the Middle East. President Donald Trump's recent address indicated that the U.S. would intensify its military campaign in Iran, threatening to bomb the country "back to the stone ages" over the next two to three weeks if a peace deal is not reached.

The conflict has led to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping passage, causing oil prices to surge. U.S. crude oil climbed to $111.54 per barrel.

Despite Thursday's mixed results, all major indexes posted weekly gains, with the Nasdaq up 4.4% and the S&P 500 up 3.4%. However, year-to-date figures remain negative for most indexes, except the Russell 2000, which is up 1.9%. Markets will be closed for Good Friday.